From humble beginnings to a thriving nursery garden centre, Root One celebrates 25 years of growth, community and horticultural passion.

“It's been a long and sometimes bumpy road,” Jeremy Brudenell, the owner of Root One, states, but on June 9, Root One celebrated its 25th birthday.

“Looking around the site today and seeing the huge choice of beautifully presented plants and products on offer, observing a well-drilled team displaying and selling our wares, and a throng of customers exploring the site, filling their trolleys and baskets, it's a little bit humbling... and so far from the 2001 reality when Root One was literally me and the odd desultory passer-by!”

From a leaky old glasshouse with a small shed attached, to today's thriving garden centre, café, and gift and furniture showroom, the business's growth is testament to Jeremy's drive and commitment. He is also a traditionalist - preferring to call Root One a nursery garden centre' - where the plants firmly take centre stage and are not shoved to the periphery like some of the larger places. 

“The plants are the stars,” he often says. “They are so delightful to be surrounded by and so rewarding to work with. It's been a privilege to share this passion with so many of our loyal customers over such a long time.”

To celebrate 25 years of Root One, Jeremy chose to organise a Grand Draw, with the chance to win a top prize of £1,000, and also a tombola raffle. All proceeds of both events will be donated to a very deserving local charity, Wild about Wallingford.

“They are a fantastic group of local volunteers with a mission to enhance the green spaces around Wallingford, boosting the wellbeing of people living in the town by greening the town and taking on those often overgrown or abandoned bits of land that no one cares about. From small corners on the roadside to planting and maintaining community orchards, they are improving the local area and getting people involved in horticulture,” Jeremy says.

“On June 9, the grand draw duly took place, and the lucky winners were revealed. We are delighted and proud to have raised in excess of £4,400 for this thoroughly worthy cause. Our thanks must go to all who gave their time to help us, to our suppliers who so generously donated some amazing prizes for the tombola, and of course to all our wonderful customers who bought tickets and supported this venture of ours.

“Celebrating 25 years of Root One Garden Centre has been a very special milestone for us. We have built a business that is proudly independent and keen to give back to the local community that has been so supportive of us. We have an extraordinary and dedicated team; we have fantastic working relationships with our suppliers; and we have the most amazingly loyal customers. It's 25 years and counting - the journey is set to continue!”